Business Security Spotlight: Access Control & Video Surveillance – In the Cloud?

June 5, 2018admin

The Transition from Physical Security to Smart Security

When we think of physical security, we typically think of alarm panels, badges to enter a building, and a big room full of monitors and someone sitting there monitoring every camera. Imagine all the time and cost that goes into this from a business point of view. It is, however, a necessary cost and to protect a company’s assets, employees, and customers, physical security is a must.

But let’s look at what’s happening with physical security technology. It is moving very fast into the future and both IT companies and well-known security device manufacturers are involved in bringing new advancements to the arena. And the focus is on the end user having more control and freedom over business security functions and the process of integration is painless. What this means is that now, with cloud technology, we can monitor video and building access from our smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers.

How Cloud Security Impacts Your Business

While large enterprises seem to be the target for this new technology, small businesses also benefit from the cost savings and the protection of cloud video and access control. All data and recordings are backed up on a server off site, so there is no internal server cost or risk of server breach or shut down, and this costs a nominal monthly fee based on the need and size of the business.

Your staff can now push a button on their mobile device to enter a building, and you can control when and where they can enter in an application you can easily access from any device and your application will store all times the employee entered and exited the building.

Cloud applications for video allow you to monitor your business from anywhere, and some video cameras will detect unusual motion, such as after closing hours, and send you an alert.

The impact of the cloud in most industries typically reduces costs for a business and helps them run leaner. Physical security in the cloud will have the same benefit, and make it easier for any sized business to adopt a smarter, more robust security strategy for their company or organization.

Allied’s TOP Picks for Cloud Security Systems

Brivo – Brivo provides some very advanced technologies in access control and video in the cloud. Our customers say that integration was painless and the system is much easier to manage than their previous card access and video systems. Brivo stores all the recordings and data for its customers off site and uses the latest encryption technology to ensure data security. Businesses pay a monthly fee for data storage, which is based on data needs, but is typically nominal compared to the cost of other types of physical security systems.

Ivideon – Ivideon is a new video surveillance technology firm with a global presence and the products were recently adopted by Allied. The surveillance systems are really a great fit for small to mid-sized businesses as they are affordable and easy to install. Their cameras have unique benefits and features, such as click to view time recordings and events , motion alerts for suspicious events, waterproof outdoor cameras, hybrid storage options, and more. Ivideon data plans range from $5 to $40 a month, so they are a really affordable option or small businesses. Ivideon customers say the apps are very easy to use, the resolutions is excellent on the recordings, and the cost is very reasonable for high quality cameras.